Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are important to patients and their providers. Healthcare organizations that focus attention on DEI provide a workplace culture that is supportive and respectful of patients and employees. When healthcare professionals recognize and interact appropriately with patients who are culturally different from them, patient outcomes may be improved. Today, many healthcare organizations have a department and an executive level position, such as chief diversity officer, dedicated to ensuring DEI in the organization. 

Read the following fact sheets that explain DEI in healthcare and how one healthcare provider promotes DEI within the organization:

• Johns Hopkins Medicine Fact Sheet
• Permanente Fact Sheet

Read the following article on cultural competence and watch the video:

• What Does Cultural Competence Mean for Healthcare Providers?
• Cultural Competence in Healthcare

For this assignment, use the information on DEI and cultural competence in the resources provided and answer the following questions:

• Based on your understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, describe a situation or experience that you have witnessed in a healthcare setting that relates to how diversity, equity, or inclusion impact patient care or the healthcare workforce positively or negatively. 
• How did the healthcare professional or the organization demonstrate DEI or cultural competence? What could have been done differently?

References

Audioversity. (2018, September 18). What is cultural competence in healthcare?, Explain cultural competence in healthcare [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZoMFTj-PyM